Ten Notable Women of Colonial Latin America

James D. Henderson is distinguished professor emeritus of international studies at Coastal Carolina University. Prior to his scholarly career, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Columbia. His books include Modernization in Colombia: The Laureano Gómez Years, 1886-1965.Linda R. Henderson is professor emeritus at Coastal Carolina University. She has also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia.Suzanne M. Litrel is a historian of Brazil and the Portuguese Atlantic world. She has taught at Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and Bay Shore High School in New York. For more information, see suzannelitrel.com.

This book is an excellent teaching tool due to its breadth of coverage of Latin America, its informed description of the women’s roles in each era, and its accessible narrative. I assigned the earlier version of this book in my survey classes for years, and students inevitably cited it as their favorite book. In a field remarkably bereft of readable textbooks, Ten Notable Women of Colonial Latin America is a rare gem—a volume guaranteed to engage the attention and enthusiasm of undergraduates.

• Introduction: Latin American Women, Old Perspectives and New 1Chapter 1: Anacaona, 1464?–1503 13Chapter 2: Malinche, 1504?–1528? 41Chapter 3: Inés de Suárez, 1507–1572? 61Chapter 4: Saint Rose of Lima, 1586–1617 83Chapter 5: The Nun Ensign, 1585 or 1592–1650? 105Chapter 6: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, 1651–1695 125Chapter 7: Chica da Silva, 1733?–1796 147Chapter 8: Micaela Bastidas, 1745–1781 171Chapter 9: La Pola, 1795–1817 193Chapter 10: Manuela Sáenz, 1797–1856 213Glossary